McDonnell: Santorum should back Romney

(CBS News) -- Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said Wednesday that Rick Santorum should enthusiastically get behind Mitt Romney as Republicans turn their attention from a divisive primary to the general election race against President Obama.

"I think he can get enthusiastically behind Mitt Romney, ask all of his supporters, both fiscal and social conservatives, to enthusiastically get behind Mitt Romney, work for him and keep their eyes on the big prize, which is winning the presidency," McDonnell said in an interview on "CBS This Morning."

Santorum on Tuesday dropped his bid for the presidency, making the former Massachusetts governor the all-but-certain Republican presidential nominee.

The conservative Virginia governor, who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for the eventual Republican nominee, said whoever Romney picks should be someone who shares his vision.

"I think it's got to be someone who's ... going to focus on jobs and deficit reduction and comprehensive vision for energy. And can bring people together," McDonnell said when asked about the vice presidential selection. McDonnell noted that that the decision is Romney's to make and he is "happy being the governor of Virginia."

McDonnell said Virginia, which voted for Mr. Obama over Arizona Sen. John McCain in 2008, would return to its "right-of-center" roots and select a Republican this year.

"I certainly think it's going to be competitive. And I expect Romney to win," he said.